Explore affordable supermarket three-course options for valentines, with Morrisons' new £15 'The Best' dine-in deal among the standout choices.
Supermarkets are quietly stealing Valentine’s night out. This year, the big chains have launched restaurant-style “dine-in” bundles: curated starters, mains, sides, desserts and a drink packaged together so couples can recreate a multi-course meal at home—without the restaurant bill or the reservation hassle.
What these packs promise is simple: the feel of a special night with the convenience of ready-to-heat food. Some selections come mostly prepared and just need finishing touches; others are chef-curated dishes and paired drinks meant to look and taste like something from a dining room.
The aim is to capture the market for cosy winter date nights by offering value, premium cues and easy planning.
Who’s doing what
– Morrisons has grabbed headlines with a £15 “The Best” pack aimed at couples and small gatherings. Think shareable starters (antipasti, prawn cocktail), mains such as rump steak with pink peppercorn butter, indulgent sides and desserts—and a choice of alcoholic or non-alcoholic drinks.
The pitch: a three-course restaurant feel for a fraction of the price.
– M&S is running a more expansive three-course package, usually available Feb 11–14, that includes sides and a bottle of wine.
– Aldi has tiered menus introduced around Feb 10, stretching from budget-friendly to premium options—some under £10 per person before alcohol.
– Sainsbury’s is offering Taste the Difference bundles at about £18, with Nectar pricing available from Feb 10–14.
– Co-op and other convenience chains provide stripped-back, low-cost kits through Feb 14.
– Asda’s deal—which includes two sides—runs through Feb 15.
Different packs suit different needs: budget kits for price-conscious shoppers, premium sets for those chasing a fuss-free, upscale feel. Retailers are clearly testing assortments and price points, and adjustments to pack sizes and add-ons are likely once sales figures come in.
Why Morrisons stands out
Morrisons has leaned into a theatre-friendly approach: branded, premium items at an accessible headline price. The £15 pack mixes showy elements (think heart-shaped Camembert wreaths or scallop and king prawn gratins) with shareable components so two people can build the meal together. There’s also attention to dietary variety—vegetarian and meat options sit side by side—so couples with different tastes can both be happy. The result is a sense of occasion with minimal effort.
What shoppers are saying
Response on social media has been mostly positive: customers praise the convenience, variety and perceived value. Complaints cluster around inconsistent portion sizes and occasional freshness issues between stores. Suppliers insist the ranges meet the retailer’s premium standards, but real-world experiences vary.
How to choose—and how to make it feel special
– Match the pack to the night. Weeknights? Smaller, ready-to-heat options. Big date nights? Go for the three-course packs with included wine or a premium dessert.
– Read labels. Check allergen, vegetarian/vegan and gluten-free information before buying.
– Look beyond the headline price. Compare per-person cost and portion size so you’re not paying for packaging or extras you won’t use.
– Follow heating instructions. Proper finishing preserves texture and flavor; the difference between a boxed meal and something that feels restaurant-quality is often in the reheating.
– Add small fresh touches: a simple salad, a lemon wedge, warmed crusty rolls or a sprig of herbs can lift presentation dramatically at little cost.
– Presentation matters. Warm the plates, dim the lights, light a candle and serve shareable starters that can be plated easily.
– Wine tips: check bottle size and ABV—some packs include half bottles or single-serve bottles that are more economical for two.
Why this matters
These dine-in bundles are reshaping how people celebrate: they remove the stress of bookings, trim extra errands and let people enjoy a special night at home. For retailers, the packs open a way to drive basket spend and attract different shopper segments—from bargain hunters at Aldi and Co-op to those wanting a fuller three-course experience at M&S and Sainsbury’s. Expect the market to keep evolving with finer segmentation—smaller portions, clearer dietary options and premium extras—as retailers react to what sells.
